Guide
Questions and Answers
Short answers to the questions that come up most. Each one links to the page with the detail.
Call (423) 555-0114Your call goes to an independent local waterproofing company.
About the call
Is Kingsport Crawl Space a contractor?
No. It is a referral service. The work is done by an independent local waterproofing company. See How it works.
Do I have to hire the company I speak with?
No. You can take their proposal, compare it with another and decide in your own time.
Can I call about a rental or a commercial building?
The number is meant for homeowners. If you rent, ask the owner to call, since the owner has to approve work on the building.
My basement is flooded right now. Should I call?
Call a water damage company first to get the water out, and a plumber if a pipe has burst. Waterproofing is what stops it happening again.
About crawl spaces
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and encapsulation?
A vapor barrier covers the soil. Encapsulation also seals the walls and vents and dries the air. The vapor barrier page compares them side by side.
Should crawl space vents be open or closed?
In a vented crawl space they stay open. In an encapsulated one they are sealed, and a dehumidifier takes over. Closing vents without the liner and dehumidifier tends to trap moisture.
Does a dehumidifier on its own fix a damp crawl space?
Not while the vents are open and the soil is bare. It would be trying to dry the whole outdoors.
Is mold on the joists dangerous to the house?
Surface mold shows the wood has been damp. The risk to the structure is rot, which follows if the wood stays wet. Ask for moisture readings.
About basements and pumps
Can a basement be waterproofed from the inside?
Yes. Most are, with a drain along the wall and a pump. See basement waterproofing.
What happens to a sump pump in a power cut?
It stops, unless there is a battery backup. Sump pump installation explains the backup pump.
Will sealing paint stop my wall leaking?
It can hide slight dampness. It does not hold back water under pressure.
About price and paperwork
Why are there no prices on this website?
Because the price depends on the house. What affects the price lists what is taken into account.
Does crawl space work need a permit in Kingsport?
The city says anything beyond cosmetic repairs does. See the local guide.
How do I check a Tennessee contractor's license?
Search the company at verify.tn.gov. Choosing a waterproofing company explains what to look for.